A probe into racist vandalism and death threats against a mosque in France has been launched, highlighting rising religious tensions.
Investigation launched in France
An investigation was opened by the Montpellier prosecutor's office following death threats and racist graffiti found around a mosque in Lodève, in the Hérault department, according to judicial sources on Thursday, October 29.Nature of the investigation
"An investigation for vandalism of another person's property committed due to religion and materialized death threat against individuals committed due to religion has been opened," and assigned to the Lodève gendarmerie, said Laurent Fekkar, deputy prosecutor of Montpellier, to AFP.Racist graffiti discovered
On Tuesday, the inscription "islam dehors" was found on the mailbox of a mosque in this commune located about fifty kilometers from Montpellier. The phrase translates to "Islam out" in English, reflecting anti-Muslim sentiment.Location and context
Lodève is a commune in the Hérault department, in the southern part of France. The discovery of such graffiti highlights ongoing concerns about religious discrimination and hate crimes in the region.
